General information

Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Tiles

Do you manufacture your own tiles?

Yes. Every Victorian Ceramics wall tile is manufactured and decorated in our UK workshop using traditional ceramic techniques combined with decades of specialist expertise.

Are your tiles handmade?

Our decorative and plain coloured wall tiles are hand-decorated and hand-glazed. The base tiles are pressed to give the flat surface and straight sides associated with period tiles. Subtle variations in colour, glaze and finish are a natural characteristic of handcrafted ceramics and contribute to the individuality and beauty of every tile. Variations in colour across each tile and from tile to tile are one of the defining characteristics of Victorian Ceramics tiles.

Are all your tiles made in the UK?

Yes. All our ceramic wall tiles are proudly manufactured in our UK workshop, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques to achieve exceptional quality.

What is crazing, and is it a defect?

Crazing is the fine network of hairline lines that will naturally develop in the glaze of some ceramic glazes over time. It has been a characteristic of glazed ceramics for centuries and is often associated with the authentic appearance of original Victorian and Edwardian tiles.

Crazing enhances the aged character and individuality of handcrafted ceramics. It does not affect the structural integrity of the tile and is an attractive decorative feature. The crazing develops gradually and can take months to fully develop into an even craze across the tiles. You can sometimes hear the crazing ‘ping’ as it develops. We do have some finishes that will not craze.

Can you glaze exposed tile edges?

Yes. We can glaze exposed edges to create a finished, decorative edge where tiles are not meeting another surface. A single glazed edge (SGE) or double glazed edge (DGE) can be requested when ordering. There is a small charge of £0.50 per glazed edge.

 

What adhesive and grout should I use with Our tiles?

Standard quality adhesives and grouts can be used with our ceramic wall tiles. We recommend that tiles are installed with a small grout joint no more than 2mm to create an authentic period appearance.

Our tiles have a small shoulder that allows the tiles to be set a 1mm without spacers. For larger gaps spacers will be required. If you require the tiles to touch with no grout gap (butt jointed) please let us know as we will need to provide a tile that has sharp flat edges.

We recommend applying a suitable impregnating sealer on crazing glazes where tiles may get wet. This will prevent water ingress into the tile.

Please note that very dark grout colours, such as black or dark grey, can emphasise the natural craze lines within the glaze particularly on paler colours. If using a dark grout, we recommend ensuring the tiles are fully and evenly crazed before grouting. The highlighted crazing can create a beautiful, aged appearance, like the character seen in original Victorian tiles where dust and soot have naturally settled into the craze lines over many years.

We also offer ‘aged’ tiles, where the crazing is intentionally stained with a darker pigment to recreate this traditional antique effect. Paler grout colours will not highlight the crazing in the same way.

If you are unsure which grout, finish or installation method is best for your project, please contact us and we will be happy to advise.

 

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Bespoke & Restoration Services

Do you reproduce original Victorian or Edwardian wall tile designs?

Yes. We reproduce original historic ceramic wall tile designs, which are often used for restoration projects, although they also sit comfortably in modern interiors. We use original glaze recipes, patterns, and sizes and decorating techniques to help preserve the character of the original designs. We specialize in reproducing designs by the Arts and Craft designers such as William de Morgan and William Morris.

Can you match an existing tile?

In many cases, yes. If you have an original tile that is damaged or missing, we can often recreate it by matching the size, shape, colour, glaze, and pattern. Simply send us clear photographs or, ideally, an original sample for assessment.

Are your tiles suitable for hot areas?

Our fireplace tiles are specifically designed to withstand the high temperatures generated by open fires, wood-burning stoves, other solid fuel appliances and ovens. During manufacture, our tiles are fired at temperatures of 1060°C, ensuring they are fit for purpose in and around fireplaces, hearths and ovens.

Can you create bespoke designs?

Absolutely. We offer a bespoke design service, producing custom colours, decorative panels, murals, borders, motifs and complete wall tile schemes for residential, commercial and heritage projects.

Can I customise the colours of a design?

Yes. We glaze to order and can glaze any of our tiles and accessories in any of our colours. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Do you work on listed buildings and heritage restoration projects?

Yes. We regularly work with homeowners, architects, conservation specialists, churches, museums and heritage organisations, producing historically appropriate ceramic wall tiles for restoration and conservation projects.

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Ordering & Delivery

Do you supply both domestic and commercial customers?

Yes. We work with homeowners, architects, interior designers, builders, developers, heritage organisations and hospitality businesses on projects of every size.

Do you export internationally?

Yes. We regularly supply ceramic wall tiles to customers around the world. Please contact us for a delivery quotation.

Can I order samples?

Yes. We always recommend ordering samples where possible so you can appreciate the colour, glaze and finish before placing a larger order. Please email us with your address, contact number and details of the tiles you would like to see.

Do you keep tiles in stock?

We stock most of our tiles and accessories unglazed and glaze them to order.

How long will my order take?

Lead times vary depending on whether your order is from a standard range or is being produced to your own specification. Typically, plain coloured tile orders can be completed within 7–10 working days. Some of the highly decorated tiles can take 3–4 weeks. We can confirm lead times at the time of enquiry or order.

What should I do if my order arrives damaged?

Please inspect your delivery as soon as it arrives and notify us immediately if any tiles have been damaged in transit. We’ll resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Can I re-order matching tiles in the future?

Yes. Please bear in mind that, as our tiles are hand-glazed, slight variations between production batches are normal.

How do I request a quotation?

Simply contact us by email or telephone with details of your project, including the tile design, approximate quantities, and any photographs or dimensions. We’ll prepare a quotation as quickly as possible. We can also provide a quotation from pictures and drawings if required.

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Installation & Care

Where can your ceramic wall tiles be used?

Our ceramic wall tiles are suitable for a wide range of interior applications, including kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, hallways, utility rooms, and decorative feature walls. The tiles can also be frost-protected for exterior wall applications.

Can your tiles be used outdoors?

Yes. Our ceramic wall tiles can be frost-protected for exterior wall installations. Please advise us if your project is for an exterior application.

Are your glazes suitable for kitchens and bathrooms?

Yes. Our glazed ceramic wall tiles provide a durable, easy-to-clean surface that is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and other interior wall applications. We can also provide a waterproof treatment for our tiles that are to be used in showers and steam rooms.

How should I clean and maintain ceramic wall tiles?

Routine cleaning is simple. Warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner are normally all that is required. Avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals, as these can stain or damage the tiles over time.

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Advice & Support

Do you offer advice on tile layouts?

Yes. We are happy to advise on layouts, colour combinations, borders, and decorative schemes to help you achieve the best possible result.

What if I need help choosing tiles?

Our experienced team can help you select the most suitable ceramic wall tiles, whether you’re restoring a Victorian fireplace, renovating a bathroom or designing a bespoke feature wall.

Do you provide advice before I order?

Absolutely. We’re always happy to discuss your project, recommend suitable products and answer any questions before you place an order.

Can you help if I’m unsure which tiles I need?

Yes. Whether you’re restoring an existing installation or starting a new project, we can help identify suitable tiles and advise on designs, colours and quantities.

Victorian Ceramics
Unit 14
Queensway Link Industrial Estate
Stafford Park 17
Telford
TF3 3DN

t: +44 (0) 1952 743345
e: david@victorianceramics.com